October 24, 2013
By Stephanie West
New York, N.Y. – 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East has endorsed Ben Kallos for City Council in Manhattan’s fifth council district, citing his progressive vision and commitment to quality, affordable healthcare and good jobs for working New Yorkers. 1199SEIU is the largest union in New York City, representing over 220,000 city nurses and caregivers and over 400,000 members nationwide.
“Ben Kallos has a background in labor and health law, making him uniquely qualified to represent the hospital corridor of the East Side. He has a progressive vision focused on the rights of all New Yorkers to receive fair treatment in the workplace and quality, affordable healthcare,” said Kevin Finnegan, Political Director of 1199SEIU.
“I am proud to accept the endorsement of 1199SEIU, whose members are everyday heroes. My mother suffers from Parkinson’s disease, so like all of us with health concerns or who have family members facing health struggles, I have a strong appreciation for our tireless healthcare workers. I am committed to doing health insurance sign-ups in our district and providing the worker training necessary to keep our hospitals great,” said Kallos.
Kallos, the Democratic nominee in Manhattan's 5th District, served as Chief of Staff to Assembly Member Jonathan Bing, policy director for former Public Advocate Mark Green and executive director to the good government reform group New Roosevelt.
